The NBA is launching an academy in Mexico City early in 2018, its seventh around the world and first in Latin America, as it continues to grow the game globally.

“It will give us an opportunity, in essence, to teach young players the NBA way, the values of our game in terms of teamwork, discipline, respect for the game and, of course, fundamental skills,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said games like the ones this week – the Nets also faced the Thunder at Arena Ciudad de Mexico – and the city hosting NBA games for 25 years has helped the process.

“The first thing you need is some awareness so us also being down here with games that are continued to be played help,” Spoelstra said. “Then the NBA does such a phenomenal job of setting up a foundation of skill development, of teaching the game, not skipping steps, not just making it about playing as many games as you can but it’s more about emphasis on fundamentals, of practices, the importance of learning how to play together.”

Spoelstra, who is of Filipino decent, has worked academies in South Africa and the Philippines.

“I think the NBA does a tremendous job and that’s why I’ve been involved with the grass roots part of building the game, particularly at the youth level, the academy levels around the world because I have such a great respect of how the NBA has done it,” he said.

Former NBA players, coaches and officials will participate in the academy.

Heat assistant coach Octavio De La Grana and shooting coach Rob Fodor worked a clinic Friday with local special needs children following the Heat’s practice at a local high school.

The league also announced Saturday a team of the players from the NBA’s developmental league will play the Mexican National Team in Los Angeles prior to the Feb. 18 NBA All-Star game.

The G League International Challenge will replace the G League All-Star Game, which debuted in 2007.

The Mexican National Team currently is 15th in the FIBA World Rankings. The NBA also is exploring putting a G League franchise in Mexico City and perhaps one day an NBA team here.

“It would be a lot of fun,” said Heat center Kelly Olynyk, who is making his third trip to Mexico City, including as a member of Team Canada and the Celtics. “I think it would do really well. I think the fans would really embrace it. I think the players would love it. It’s just a matter of trying to get it. I don’t know how easy or hard it would be.”